Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Press Release Locations
Monday, May 21, 2018
Dryer Transition Duct Information
I have reviewed many home inspection reports and one of the many things that stand out is how some home inspectors report on dryer vent connectors. Recently a picture of a flexible dryer transition duct was posted on a home inspector Facebook page and another home inspector commented, “That’s not allowed”. Since his statement is not at all accurate, I’ve decided to take the time to write what is, and is not, allowed.
The different types of dryer vents
A. Plastic – Not UL listed for use as a dryer transition duct.
B. Smooth interior 28 gauge metal duct approved as a dryer duct
C. Foil flexible – UL approved as a dryer transition duct, but not recommended by the CPSC.
D. Semi-rigid – UL approved as a dryer transition duct and recommended by the CPSC
Definitions:
- Dryer Duct – This is the smooth wall section of the duct that runs through the house and passes through the exterior wall.
- Dryer Transition Duct – This is the flexible section that connects the dryer to the dryer duct.
Dryer Duct Rules: 2015 IRC M1502
M1502.2 Dryer Ducts need to be independent and convey moisture to the exterior.
M1502.3 Dryer ducts exhaust to the exterior, the discharge must have a backdraft damper and be at least 3 feet away from openings.
M1502.4.1 Dryer ducts are to be smooth and made out of metal that is a minimum 27-gauge steel. The dryer duct must be 4″ in diameter.
M1502.4.5.1 Dryer ducts shall be no more than 35 feet from outside terminal to transition duct. Exception: Unless the manufacturer of the dryer specifies differently. Most dryer manufacturers allow between 60 and 85 feet. Quite a big difference.
Transition Duct Rules: 2015 IRC M1502
M1502.4.2 Transition ducts shall be a single piece, listed as UL 2158A, not more than 8 feet long, and not concealed within construction.
Some dryer manufacturers and a bunch of home inspectors hate the foil dryer transition ducts. They are UL 2158A Listed for use with gas and electric dryers. Since Underwriters Laboratories does extensive testing and states that these transition ducts are acceptable for use in that fashion. I agree with UL and I don’t have a problem with them. Keep them clean and make sure they are not squished when installed.
Many inspectors like the semi-rigid aluminum ducts better. They state that the foil type gets clogged way too easy. Nobody has any data to back that up. There is Publication 5022 distributed June-2003 and updated Feb-2012 that addresses the dangers of dryer fires which mentions they shouldn’t be used. I do believe that the CPSC is a credible source, but I do not believe they did the same type of testing as is done by UL. Add this to my 36 years in the fire service, and I stand by my opinion that these foil type transition ducts are just fine.
For the record, the semi-rigid transition ducts can also be squished. They do not return to their original shape when the pressure is removed. There are also look-a-like semi-rigid ducts that are not UL listed.
I always believe that the choice of what is acceptable, and not acceptable, belongs to the home buyers. I believe my job is to give as much information as possible to help you make an educated decision.
Chicago Office Website: http://www.TheHomeInspectors.com/
Chicago Office Yelp Page: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicagoland-home-inspectors-chicago
Northbrook Office Website: http://www.ChicagolandHomeInspectors.net
Northbrook Office Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicagoland-home-inspectors-northbrook-2
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWsanAlMHMiAbez4OE1Gbg
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Chicagoland Home Inspectors Announce That Roof Inspections Just Got Easier, Faster, and More Efficient With Drone Technology
American Society of Home Inspectors Article
CHICAGO, IL – 04-02-2018 — Roof inspections were once a hazardous activity where life and limb could be at risk from fragile roofing materials, high roofs, and steeply sloped roofs. This made the job of thoroughly inspecting a roof as perilous as it was important to maintaining the integrity of the home.
Now, Chicagoland Home Inspectors have joined the drone revolution and added the futuristic technology to their roof inspection service. While the team of inspectors still grab a ladder to investigate potential defects in person, drones are helping them to now examine even the steepest-sloping roof or high, fragile rooftop for defects with ease.
The new service has already received a thumbs-up from its first customer, who was purchasing a condo in Chicago and wanted to find out if the roof had any major defects before making an investment.
“Drone technology is a convenient, fast, and safe method of inspecting residential and commercial rooftops for any kind of damage. I’ll still get up there myself to investigate when possible, but there’s no question that drone technology is making a significant difference to how we investigate” said Charles Bellefontaine, lead Licensed Home Inspector at Chicagoland home Inspectors.
“Not only is the inspection faster and less expensive for our clients, but it’s also a safer endeavor for our employees. We capture the damage on camera, along with damage invisible to the human eye using attachments that detect where air and HVAC leakages are happening, offering our clients a better service at a better price.”
While roof inspections using drone technology to complement manual inspections are a recent development, they mark yet another use of the technology to make life – and home maintenance – easier for Americans. Like many others across the nation, Chicagoland uses a variety of modern technology and tools to deliver thorough, efficient checks that grant homeowners peace of mind – and home buyers the confidence that they are purchasing a dream home, rather than a money pit.
Chicagoland Home Inspectors also released a video which shows how drone technology allowed them to detect a missing power vent cover and cracked chimney crown in just a few minutes – despite the icy March weather – which can be viewed here.
“The attention to detail and professionalism are at the highest level – Charlie found issues I would not have thought about,” revealed one recent customer in a Yelp review. “He can explain things in such a way that even I could understand whether it was or was not an issue; I’m totally satisfied.”
For more information about Chicagoland Home Inspectors and its various home inspection services in Chicago, please visit http://www.chicagolandhomeinspectors.net/. For all general and media inquiries regarding home inspection and drone inspections for rooftops, please contact Charles Bellefontaine at 312-759-7045 or email him at charlie@chicagolandhomeinspectors.net.
About Chicagoland Home Inspectors, Inc.
Chicagoland Home Inspectors is one of Chicago’s most highly rated home inspectors, offering a full range of home inspection services in Chicago including listing inspections, sewer inspections, and rooftop drone inspections among others. For more information about Chicagoland Home Inspectors, please visit the company’s website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaZR-L5dyMc
Media Contacts:
Company Name: Chicagoland Home Inspectors, Inc.
Full Name: Charles Bellefontaine
Phone: 312-759-7045
Email Address: Send Email
Website: http://www.chicagolandhomeinspectors.net/
For the original news story, please visit https://publishedpr.com/news/chicagoland-home-inspectors-announce-that-rooftop-inspections-just-got-easier-faster-and-more-efficient-with-drone-technology.html.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
The Importance of Downspout Extensions
I was doing a home inspection in Glenview when I informed my client about the lack of downspout extensions. The real estate agent spoke up and stated that the home inspector she uses doesn’t think that is a problem. I always thought that every home inspector calls out downspouts discharging too close to a house. Let’s ask the question; is that a big deal?” Yes, because of the damage it can cause, and no because it is such an easy and inexpensive fix. Home inspectors usually tell their clients to get the downspouts 4 to 6 feet away from the building. Here is why we say “4 to 6 feet”.
When houses are first built, a hole needs to be dug out and earth is removed. This is referred to as the over-dig for the foundation. The over-dig is the room needed for the construction workers to get the forms in and out so they can make the footings and foundations.
The footing is then poured and allowed to cure (harden). The foundation is then poured on top of that and eventually the basement floor is poured on top of the footing on the inside of the foundation wall. Since these three areas are not poured at one single time, there is a cold joint at this location. Waterproofing professionals refer to this area as the cove. Drain tile, stone, and the earth are installed on the outside of the foundation.
Here is the problem. The earth never goes back into the over-dig exactly the same way it came out. We end up with gaps, pockets of air, and avenues where water can easily travel down to the undisturbed earth that the foundation is sitting on. The water can then pool in this area and cause the earth to weaken. Weakened earth will cause settling. If the pooling water gets high enough, water then enters the basement. None of this is good.
If downspout extensions are used to get the water past the over-dig, 95% of the water will not enter the over-dig and pool up next to the foundation. So let’s install those extensions. Get the water 4 to 6 feet away from the house and greatly reduce the chances of settlement and water entry into the home.